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First of all I should indicate that my actual experience is with the earlier "Ribside" 21` model. On the interior of the boat, the seam between the bottom hull and the top shell is very evident, and easy to access - at least on the Ribside models, where only the bottom side trim boards have to be removed to see the joint. I assume this to be the case on the Smoothside boats also, but because of the stern well cross bench, access back to the transom at floor level could be more complicated? Perhaps a Smoothside owner can comment on this.

On any hull leaking at this seam, the water simply flows over the floor and into the stern sump. It does not contaminate the foam.

Other things to look at on one of these old classics is the structural integrity of the transom, and that the encapsulated plywood is dry.

The integrity of the fuel tank should also be considered (no water in fuel or in the fuel filter), as a boat this old can have fuel leaks into the encapsulating foam. Replacement of the 42 gallon fuel tank is a big, costly job.

Another important detail is condition of the non-skid boat floor. This tells you a lot about how the boat was used and maintained. I would not buy a boat with a beatup, badly worn floor, often with many poorly done repairs. Also watch out for a boat with a ground down floor, and painted with non-skid paint.

Finally, original gelcoat is an important value consideration. For best value retention and resale value, stay away from a painted boat, either interior, exterior or both. It tells you the boat was in bad shape at some time in it's life, bought cheap by someone and needed a full cosmetic repair. That is not my kind of boat.

That's about all I can think of at the moment. You can see my 21 in the Personal Website link.